December 2012

It’s December and time for the 2012 Edition of Good Health! Gifts . . .

Zipbuds Tangle-Free Earbuds -- Starting at $19.95.  Fashion meets function in these fun earbuds that combine military technology and great sound quality.   They’d be a great gift for just about anyone that uses earbuds when they workout.  http://www.zipbuds.com

The Meat Free Monday Cookbook by Paul, Stella & Mary McCartney -- $19.  This celebrity cookbook is not about becoming vegetarian but rather it highlights practical ways to reduce the consumption of meat.   It contains simple recipes using fresh produce, good fats and alternative protein sources that can make a huge difference to the health of our planet, to your personal health and to the health of your pocketbook. http://www.amazon.com/Meat-Free-Monday-Cookbook-Every/dp/1906868697

Royal Rivera Pears from Harry & David -- Starting at $29.95.  Pears taste great and they’re high in fiber.  They are also a good source of the mineral boron.   That’s important because the latest research suggests that boron plays an important role in the retention of calcium making the humble pear an osteoporosis preventer.  http://www.harryanddavid.com/h/fruit-gift/1

Zapi UV Brush Sanitizer -- Starting at $30.  The germaphobe on your holiday gift list is sure to appreciate this sanitizer that eliminates 99.9% percent of germs and bacteria living on a toothbrush.  http://www.violight.com

Nike+ FuelBand -- $149.  The Nike+ FuelBand is a plastic bracelet you wear on your wrist to track your daily fitness. FuelBand uses a sports-tested accelerometer to measure arm movements so it’s all about overall activity. Pedometers are so 2011.  With a Nike+ FuelBand you decide how active you want to be and then you use the iPhone app to monitor your progress.

http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/lp/nikeplusfuelband

Intimina by Lelo Laselle Kegel Exercisers – Starting $12.95.  Like something out of the pages of Fifty Shades of Grey, these silicone spheres are inserted into a woman’s vagina and help “discreetly target and strengthen” the pelvic floor.   They come in three different resistance levels and “emit a subtle vibration during movement to give you the instant confirmation” that they are in the correct position.  It’s like having a personal trainer for your intimate health.  http://www.intimina.com

The Gift of Friendship – Priceless.   According to Yvonne L. Michael, lead researcher of the Nurses’ Health Study, close friendships provide a buffer for stressful living that is likely to affect your immune and endocrine systems allowing you to age healthier.”  Friends increase your sense of belonging, boost your happiness, reduce stress, improve your self-worth and truly are a special gift. 

Make the time to be good to you this holiday season and hang out with friends -- you’ll be happier and healthier in 2013 if you do.

Merry Christmas, Happy 2013 & Good Health!

Terry

“Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make everyday a holiday and celebrate just living.”

~Amanda Bradley

November 2012

I’ve been potty trained for more than 50 years so imagine my surprise when I learned that I have been doing it wrong.  According to the people behind Squatty Potty “the squat position is the natural way to achieve easier and more complete elimination.”  It’s all about bathroom posture, reduced strain and decreased pressure in the anal and rectal veins by improving the anorectal angle.  Before I blogged on this topic I sought the opinion of a trusted medical professional – my brother, he’s a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.  I somewhat expected him to tell me that Squatty Potty was just a gimmick.  But what he told me was that in his office there are retrainers that teach patients “to assist bowel evacuation with a stool in front of the toilet for their feet.”  Basically a Squatty Potty without a fancy design, fun name or high price.  Learn more about the squatting position and the Squatty Potty at http://www.squattypotty.com -- If you have trouble with constipation, hemorrhoids or are just looking to improve your colon health the Squatty Potty might be worth a try.

While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about other popular bathroom activities – texting, making/receiving phone calls and shopping.  In a recent survey 75% of respondents said they take their phone to the bathroom every time they go.  It’s not surprising that 91% of the people born between 1977 and 1993 are toilet tweeting but 65% of baby boomers admit to making calls from the porcelain throne.  Android users are most likely to use their phones in the bathroom, 22% of iPhone users have made an online purchase while in the bathroom and 19% of cell phone users have accidently dropped their phone in the toilet.  And while 92% of people surveyed claim they wash their hands after using the bathroom only 14% wash their cell phones.  That’s probably why an estimated 1 in 6 phones would test positive for fecal matter. You certainly don’t want to think about that the next time your dinner partner rests their cell phone on the table.

Take back your right to privacy in our increasingly busy lives. Make time to be good to you and make the bathroom a phone free zone.  

Happy Thanksgiving & Good Health!

Terry

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
~Melody Beattie

Please let me know what you think about this month’s entry by leaving a comment.

October 2012

The medical research community is closing in on the root causes of breast cancer and promising new drugs have been approved for treatment of metastatic breast cancer.  But unfortunately, breast cancer is still the second most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in U. S. women.  Before the end of this year 230,000 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis and way too many women will lose the fight.  I continue to believe that breast cancer awareness is your best defense against becoming a breast cancer statistic.  I am passionate about staying educated about the disease and spreading the awareness message.  Over the years I have read hundreds of articles about breast cancer;  it’s causes, prevention tips and treatments.  But it’s not often that I come across an article that is informative and concise.  So earlier this month when I read 25 Breast Cancer Myths Busted -- click here to read -- I knew I had to share it with you.  Please give it a read and educate yourself on the facts.  Don’t let the fear of a breast cancer diagnosis stop you from doing all you can to find it in it’s earliest and most treatable stage -- know your own body and see your doctor regularly.  We still don’t know why some women get breast cancer.  In fact, 70% of breast cancer patients have no known risk factors.  But we do know that early detection increases your options and the opportunity for a positive outcome.

How many of you have heard of Annie Hawkins-Turner, AKA Norma Stitz?  Norma holds the Guinness World Record for largest natural breasts in the world.  Norma’s bra size is 102 ZZZ.  Jaw dropping I know. Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want to Google her.  Most of the well-endowed women complain about the limitations and discomfort of having large breasts. Not Norma. That's pretty incredible when you consider the fact that after spending years hating her breasts and the negative energy they brought to her life, Norma has vowed never to have reduction surgery. This 53 year old, former social worker is embracing the body God gave her.  And while she has made career choices few of us would make, I find it oddly refreshing that she is not letting other people define her.

Make the time to be good to you.  Take charge of your health and your life.  And remember that you are the only person qualified to write your story.

Good Health!

Terry

"Life has chapters.  If you don't like the one you're in, close it so you can start a new one."

~Fran Zone

Please let me know what you think about this month’s entry by leaving a comment.

September 2012

Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Oz are just some of the prominent health gurus high on hemp milk.  My first thought: Hemp milk, is that legal?  Then I learned that hemp milk is made from pulverized cannabis sativa seeds but does not contain THC, the stuff that makes marijuana so popular. So why should women drink hemp milk?  Because . . .

• It contains Omega 3 and Omega 6, the fatty acids needed for a healthy brain.

• It contains minerals -- magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, folic acid.  

• It contains 10 amino acids and vitamin A, E, D and B12.

• It is easy to digest and is tolerated by those with dairy, nut and soy allergies.

• It provides good nutrition for your hair, skin and nails.

• It is said to help prevent the pain of arthritis.

• It is trans fat-free and has no cholesterol. 

I was curious so I gave hemp milk a try.  Dr. Oz wouldn’t lead me astray would he?  It had a bit of a weird nutty flavor on it’s own.  But, after using it to make a smoothie I became a hemp milk fan.

The new cast of Dancing with the Stars All-Star Edition has been announced and I am looking forward to watching the show from my couch.  But, I really should be dancing.  No . . . not on the show, in my family room.  Of course dancing is a great strength, flexibility, balance and cardio workout but now there is increasing evidence to suggest dancing inhibits the onset of dementia.  According to medical experts when you dance you have to coordinate thought patterns and muscle response.  It doesn’t matter whether you are dancing the paso doble or the Macarena.  Just turn on the music and dance!

Make the time to be good to you and enjoy a hemp milk smoothie – they’re not just for hippies.

Good Health!

Terry

“Carson, you put the boy in flamboyant.”

~ Len Goodman to Carson Kressley on Dancing with the Stars Season 13

August 2012

This month, I thought I'd share a few little Good Health! tidbits:

• Sit-ups help reduce belly fat right?  Wrong.  Resistance training does not boost metabolism enough to reduce fat mass.  According to Cris Slentz, an exercise physiologist at Duke University, if you want to reduce abdominal fat you need to jog 12 miles a week.  OMG say it isn’t so . . . I hate to jog.
• 28% of women polled said they would give up a week of vacation if they never had to shave again.  But I’m here to tell you that there is no need to sacrifice precious vacation time.  Just make an appointment with Amy at Metropolitan in Edina (http://www.themonfrance.com) where they use an Alma Laser for painless laser hair removal.  Trust me, it really is painless and it works!
• 40% of Americans feel more attractive and confident when they wear sunglasses.  Now it's easier than ever for you to justify buying those cute Ray-Ban sunglasses you just pinned on Pinterest.  Not only will they protect your eyes they will boost your self-esteem. 
• Dakota State University recently published a study that said people who love sugary treats are more helpful and have a more pleasant disposition than people who aren’t sweet eaters.  That’s probably because sweet eaters are happy people.  But who cares why.  It’s just nice to know that there’s a good reason to embrace your sweet tooth. 

Make the time to be good to you and hang out with your favorite sweet tooth.

Good Health!

Terry

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
~Mae West

July 2012

A while back I told you about the health hazards of carrying a heavy purse. Now I want to warn you that you may be carrying a toxic purse.  It turns out that some of those trendy brightly colored wallets & purses you see in the stores and in all the style magazines may contain high levels of lead.  I know what you are thinking – that I’m probably talking about cheap faux leather, Chinese knock offs.  Actually some of the high priced Tori Burch and Ralph Lauren “must-have” accessories of the season sold in Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom tested positive for lead levels ranging from 3 times to nearly 200 higher than agreed upon lead levels.  Of course there are also plenty of lead-filled bags at the other end of the spectrum too.  According to a recent compliance testing project, 15% of all the bags tested had high lead levels.  That’s a huge problem since lead exposure has been linked to all kinds of health problems including decreased fertility and impaired mental development and is for obvious reasons a real threat to young women and mothers of small children.  So how do you protect yourself?  Avoid brightly colored purses and accessories.  Yellow is a big culprit but you need to wary of red, orange and green faux leather products as well.  Protect yourself by buying accessories made from natural materials and wash your hands after touching any purse or accessory you suspect may contain lead. 

A British woman by the name of Hazel Jones recently appeared on TV to discuss a rare condition called uterus didlphys.  Uterus didlphys is a condition in which a woman has two vaginas and two uteruses.  Ms. Jones found out she had uterus didlphys only after her boyfriend suggested that there was something “different” about her. It’s estimated that one in one million women has uterus didlphys. As if having one uterus and vagina isn’t enough just imagine having two along with their accompanying monthly cycles.  Ms. Jones isn’t embarrassed by her condition.  In fact she has been quoted as saying that “If women want to have a look I’m quite happy to show them.”  And while you might think she would try and profit from her unique physical anatomy she had the good sense to decline a $1 million dollar offer from the porn industry.

It’s cherry season and produce shelves around the country are bursting with ripe, red cherries. The cherry is a nutritional powerhouse because it’s a great source of antioxidants, vitamin A, fiber and lots of other great stuff.  At only 87 calories in a one-cup serving they are a really smart sweet treat. Make time to be good to you and enjoy some cherries today.

Good Health!

Terry

“Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.”

~Phyllis Diller

June 2012

If you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer or know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer the news that T-DM1 seems to delay the worsening of the disease in women with aggressive HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer is hopeful news. T-DM1(super Herceptin) is a powerful poison that targets tumors cells without the side effects of traditional treatments. Of course it's complicated -- basically the T-DM1 binds to HER2-positive breast cancer cells and blocks their growth.  T-DM1 is currently in clinical trials. But there is strong evidence that patients who are treated with T-DM1 have an increased survival rate. That’s big news for the 20% of breast cancer patients who have been told that they have HER-2 positive breast cancer. Could it be that we are getting closer to finding a cure for breast cancer? I really, really, really hope so.

The headlines read: Eat Your Way Slim and A Flat Belly at Any Age. I am pretty convinced that no matter what I do I am never going to look like Health magazine June 2012 cover girl and Olympic swimmer Dara Torres. Airbrushed? I can’t say for sure but she doesn’t appear to have an imperfection on her. It’s not just unfair it’s annoying. When you read the article you learn that Dara employees a team to keep her fit – naturopathic doctor, a cook, a nutritionist and a pair of therapists that stretch her for two hours post workout. Good for Dara. She looks fabulous and fit at 45 years old. But what kind of chance do the rest of us have? Those of us who are trying to stay fit by working with the me, myself and I team.



Don’t let your smartphone do all the work. Make time to be good to you and memorize three phone numbers and dial them yourself. It is a great way to flex your memory muscles.

 Good Health!

Terry

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair.” 
~Audrey Hepburn

May 2012

Every year 425,000 women have a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination and sudden severe headache with no known cause.  In women the first signs of stroke may have a few unique symptoms such as face and limb pain, sudden hiccups, sudden nausea, sudden general weakness, sudden chest pain, sudden shortness of breath and sudden palpitations.  Being able to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and receiving prompt medical attention may reduce the long term disabling effects of a stroke.  Every minute counts.  If you think that someone you know may be having a stroke the National Stoke Association wants you to act FAST.

F -- Face: Ask the person to smile.  Does the face droop?

A -- Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?

S -- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.  Is speech slurred or strange?

T -- Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Risk factors for stoke include a family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight and not exercising.  Women are at higher risk while on birth control pills, pregnant, using Hormone Replacement Therapy, post-menopausal with a waist measurement larger that 35.2 inches and triglyceride levels higher than 128 milligrams or if they are a migraine headache sufferer.

It sounds like fewer women are saying “Sorry, not tonight. I have a headache.” Women around the world say they are experiencing a better, more fulfilling sex life after reading Fifty Shades of Grey.  You would think that Dr. Adam Ostrzenski’s recent claim that he found the elusive G-spot would be the hottest topic in women’s sexuality but it’s not.  It’s actually what some are calling “mommy porn” – a steamy trilogy written by E L James.  This wildly popular bestselling trilogy will never be considered a literary masterpiece.  But it's definitely page-turner. Personally I found it hard to believe that some of the action would be pleasurable for women or even physically possible. But it has been reported that reading can be raise our spirits and help us escape from the stress of everyday life.  It also helps us empathize with others and it keeps the brain in good working order.  We would all probably agree that losing yourself in a book is more fun than watching a presidential debate or the MN Twins lose another game.

Make the time to be good to you and read. Whether you are reading Fifty Shades of Grey or Gone With the Wind the overall health benefit is the same.

Happy Mother’s Day and Good Health!

Terry

“If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?” ~Milton Berle

April 2012

On April 11, 2002 I sent out my first Good Health! email message. It was a short reminder message sent to a small group of female friends and family members encouraging them to check themselves for signs of cancer. Fast-forward 10 years. Today I’m a middle aged, mid-western mother and housewife who writes a monthly blog about women’s health that is being read by women all over the world. It was my mother’s struggle with breast cancer that initially inspired me. With the encouragement of the men in my life I have written 120 Good Health! messages on a wide range of women’s health topics including cancer detection & prevention, childbirth, exercise, diet & nutrition and my personal favorite -- the health dangers of thong underwear. I have shared my personal health struggles with you and many of you have shared your stories with me. There have been a few typos over the years but no regrets. I am not doing this to increase my Klout Score. I am doing this with the sincere hope that the women who read Good Health! will be reminded to make the time to safe guard their health. To those of you who subscribe to Good Health! . . . Thank you for reading my ramblings. I am honored by your continued interest and motivated by your comments.

So this month, what would you think if I told you eating popcorn could help you prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s? I know it sounds crazy but popcorn is packed with ferulic acid. Ferulic Acid is an antioxidant also found in beans, rice, corn, wheat, barley and many other grains. And the really crazy part, according to a study out of the University of Scranton, one serving of popcorn has more antioxidants than a day’s worth of fruits and vegetables. The hull is where you find all the good stuff, not in the fluffy white part. If you are looking for the perfect snack food it may just be popcorn. There are approximately 31 calories in one cup of air-popped popcorn. Of course popcorn should not replace broccoli and spinach in your diet but it should replace the potato chips. Just remember to consume responsibly -- air-popped, without added butter and of course in moderation.

Make the time to be good to you --- stop and smell the daffodils. Daffodils aren’t really known for their incredible aroma but researchers have discovered people who are grateful for the simple things in life are more satisfied with their lives. Not because they ignore the bad stuff. Grateful people are just better at appreciating the good stuff. This month I’m grateful for daffodils and you!

Good Health!

Terry

“I haven’t a clue how my story will end, but that’s all right. When you set out on a journey and night covers the road, that’s when you discover the stars.”
-Nancy Willard

March 2012

While doing research to write Good Health! I often come across some interesting health conditions. Here are a few I think all women should be aware of . . .

Bleachorexia -- The quest for a dazzlingly white smile has lead to this new addiction. White teeth are associated with beauty, youth, confidence and good health. That probably explains why tooth whitening is the number one cosmetic dental procedure in the US. It sounds harmless but when tooth whitening becomes an obsession it can lead to bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, blue-white almost see through teeth and even capped teeth. I was surprised to learn that tooth bleaching gels are not regulated by the FDA. So be safe and consult your dental professional before starting an over the counter treatment, use a brand you can trust and make sure you wait at least 6 months between treatments.

Nomophobia -- The younger you are the more likely you are to suffer anxiety and stress when you can’t locate your phone, when your phone is out of battery life or if you lose cell phone coverage. According to a British study, loneliness, boredom and insecurity are some of the triggers that lead to the development of nomophobia. Sixty six percent of study respondents were afflicted and it was women 18 to 24 years old who were the most likely to be “unnerved by cell phone separation.” And it’s no wonder after I recently saw an ad for the Droid Razor Max where a young woman says, “If I could use my phone all day I would definitely feel more powerful.” Really? Maybe this gal should be whitening her teeth.

Vagagony -- The Internet credits Kelly Ripa for bringing this word to our urban dictionary. Vagagony is that uncomfortable feeling a woman gets between her legs after a spinning class. Sure you could probably wear padded exercise shorts while spinning but aren’t most women exercising to remove unwanted padding from their shorts?

And finally, don’t let chromatophobia - the fear of the color green - prevent you from enjoying St. Patrick’s Day. Make the time to be good to you by considering yourself lucky. People who believe in good luck are more optimistic and more satisfied with their lives.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day & Good Health!

Terry

"May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."
~Irish Blessing

February 2012

What would you say if I told you that 22% of the fish Consumer Reports tested were mislabeled? And it’s not only Consumer Reports that has studied the problem of fraudulent fish in the seafood industry. University of Washington - Tacoma researchers reported that more than 38% of restaurant samples they tested were farm-raised or a cheaper fish substitution -- diners ordered red snapper but were served ocean perch. The bait and switch doesn’t end there. Sole is frequently being switched for farm-raised Sutchi catfish from Vietnam where the seafood industry uses drugs not approved in the U.S. and grouper is being switched for tilefish that’s been known to contain dangerously high levels mercury. In Minnesota, that walleye dinner you enjoyed last weekend might actually have been a zander dinner. According to ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Leamy, “a third of seafood sold in the U.S. is mislabeled as one type when it's actually something else, even something cheaper.”

Sushi lovers . . . you need to be extra careful. Escolar, a succulent white fish known to cause stomach cramps, vomiting and anal leakage was substituted for “white tuna” in a 100% of the samples collected in a Boston Globe investigation. It’s difficult to distinguish between real fish and fake fish. It’s so difficult that even some experts cannot detect the difference without the aid of DNA testing. Americans spend 80 billion dollars a year on fish and 84% of that fish comes from overseas. Today only 2% of the fish sold in the U.S. is screened and less than .001% is tested for fraud. With any luck FDA officials with make good on their promise to do more to police against fake fish. Until then buyer beware. Never buy cheap fish, buy only from a reputable market and buy the whole fish when possible. What has this world come to when the only way to be sure what’s for dinner is to test the DNA of the food on your plate?

Today we know far more about breast cancer than we did because of research funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Over the past 30 years Komen has invested approximately $2 billion dollars for research, advocacy, education and support services for women. No matter your stance on Planned Parenthood funding I hope you continue to support Susan G. Komen for a Cure. Women in the U. S. and around the world have benefited from the work of this organization. I am one of those women . . . you are too.

Make the time to be good to you by locking lips with your valentine. A serious French kissing session stimulates the production of saliva and washes away bacteria helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum works too but it’s not as much fun.

Happy Valentine’s Day & Good Health!

Terry

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."

~Ingrid Bergman

January 2012

McNeil Nutritionals LLC, the maker of Splenda No Calorie Sweetner, has introduced 3 new forms of their popular sugar alternative. According to http://www.splenda.com, Splenda Essentials “help you to reduce added sugar, but also make everything you sweeten a little bit better for you; with a small boost of Fiber, B Vitamins, or Antioxidant Vitamins C and E.” Really? Does that mean Splenda (sucralose) can be considered a nutritional food supplement? In 1998 the FDA approved sucralose for use in the United States. Depending on whom you believe sucralose is the ideal no calorie sweetener or a dietary evil. But debating the safety of sucralose is not my concern this month. My concern is that woman will start to believe that Splenda Essentials are a healthy, good for you food choice. Just to be clear . . . I'm not a purist. If you ask my family they will tell you I am addicted to Arizona Diet Green Tea, which is sweetened with sucralose. But I fear we are going to see an increase in the number of processed food products adding antioxidants, vitamins and fiber to try and confuse consumers into believing that their product is part of a healthy diet.

Every now and then I read the story of an incredible woman. A woman like Amber Miller who was 39 weeks pregnant on October 11, 2011 when she ran the Chicago Marathon. She used a half-run, half-walk approach, drank lots of liquids and snacked during her 26.2-mile journey. Amber completed the marathon in 6 hours 25 minutes. Seven and a half hours later she delivered a healthy baby girl proving once again there really is nothing a woman can’t do.

Make the time to be good to you and your lips. Try Carmex Moisture Plus Hydrating Lip Balm. Carmex Moisture Plus comes clear or tinted, in a sleek silver tube with a slanted-tip applicator. It’s ultra hydrating and has SPF 15 to protect your lips from the harmful effects of the sun. Use it alone or over your favorite lipstick for healthy, kissable lips. http://www.mycarmex.com/our-products/carmex-moisture-plus/default.aspx

Good Health!

Terry

“You live but once; you might as well be amusing.”
~ Coco Chanel